Topsfield Police find 18 pounds of marijuana during raid

Police in Topsfield confiscated a large quantity of marijuana during a raid on Wednesday.

The Topsfield Police Department executed a search warrant at 130 Central St. on Wednesday in relation to an investigation of an alleged drug operation. They found a highly sophisticated marijuana cultivation operation and a manufacturing setup for BHO, or butane honey oil.

Police seized more than 18 pounds of marijuana, about 1 pound of BHO and 78 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, some as tall as 4 feet. They also seized a large quantity of equipment used in the cultivation, manufacturing and distribution of the narcotics.

Two individuals were arrested during the raid. The homeowner, Lani Soo Aldrich, 39, and Robert A. Whittington, 36, of the same address, were charged with conspiracy to violate the controlled substances act; manufacturing and possession of class C substance (BHO) with intent to distribute; and cultivation and possession of a class D substance (marijuana) with intent to distribute.